Nation-Building and the Redefinition of the Child

Abstract

“Children’s Competition on the Beach.” So reads the title across the center spread of a 1935 edition of the popular Egyptian magazine, al-Musawwar (The Illustrated).¹ Under the title, and continued on the last page, are individual photographs of young boys and girls on the beach in swimsuits, dresses, sun hats, and bath robes, holding parasols, shells, pails, and little sand shovels. A number and the child’s name are under each photograph for readers to contribute their votes. The competition spanned several editions, and the winning child received a modern, four-piece child’s furniture set in steel.